Woollahra Municipal Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Woollahra Municipal Council area — which trees are protected, the main exemptions, and how to apply for approval. This is the authoritative summary we keep for this council; always confirm against the official source linked below.
Legal basis: State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021, Ch. 2 (Vegetation in Non-Rural Areas) + each council's Development Control Plan (DCP).
Compiled from the council's published rules and cross-checked. Always confirm with the council.
Which trees are protected in Woollahra Municipal Council?
Trees about 5m tall or larger are generally protected and need approval.
Trees exceeding 5 metres in height or 3 metres in canopy spread require council approval; trees below both thresholds, dead/dying trees, minor pruning per AS 4373, and listed undesirable species are exempt, except in heritage conservation areas; exempt tree species require 7-day written notification to council before works proceed.
When you may not need approval
- dead or dying trees
- dangerous trees posing imminent threat
- trees less than 5m height AND less than 3m canopy spread
- emergency or safety work
- minor pruning per AS 4373-2007 (e.g. building clearance)
- listed noxious/undesirable species
How to apply
Submit online Tree Works Application form; council processes within approximately four weeks, conducts site inspection, and notifies adjoining properties; owner/property consent required.
Other rules that can override the above
- RFS 10/50 Vegetation Clearing scheme — in a designated bush-fire area you may be able to clear trees within 10m of your home (and underlying vegetation within 50m) without council approval. Check eligibility with the NSW RFS online tool; it does not override threatened-species or federal law.
- Heritage items and heritage conservation areas — trees are usually protected regardless of size and most exemptions fall away.
- Threatened species, endangered ecological communities and Aboriginal places — exemptions generally do not apply.
- Federal EPBC Act — separate Commonwealth approval can be required if removal would significantly impact a nationally listed species or community.
Do I need a permit in Woollahra Municipal Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.